Ever since its initial release in 1996, the Scream franchise has quickly become a slasher powerhouse, sparking countless fan theories and debates, including the prominent third killer theory. These continued discussions and debates are unsurprising given it has become one of Hollywood’s longest-running horror franchises, allowing Scream to effectively change the genre forever. Over the last two decades, the Scream franchise has made six movies, with a seventh expected to hit theaters at some point in 2026. Needless to say, the core draw of these films is the unmasking of Ghostface in each installment.

Ghostface has been 12 separate individuals throughout the Scream franchise, though audiences have often speculated there have been more. A number of these killers were more directly involved than others, but all of them were still incredibly engaging, propelled by strong motivations. However, a handful of murders in some chapters are hard to attribute to their designated killers because of their whereabouts at the time of attack. While the Scream films appear simple on the surface, their six-movie overarching plot is surprisingly intricate, revealing fascinating new layers with each rewatch, which is a big part of Scream‘s appeal.

Scream’s Third Killer Theory Suggests There’s Always Another Killer

Scream’s Third Killer Theory Is Evident Throughout The Franchise

The “third killer theory” within the Scream franchise indicates there’s always an additional killer who remains unseen in each movie, working alongside the film’s exposed Ghostface killers. The theory came to light after fans of the franchise noticed numerous plot holes and inconsistencies with the Ghostface kills in the movies. In essence, Scream‘s third killer theory implies that an additional killer is often required to explain certain actions or sequences of events that the main killers would have struggled to perform on their own. Interestingly, this isn’t limited to a single film, but is evident across the franchise’s installments.

Except for Scream 3 and Scream VI, the franchise’s Ghostface reveal usually consists of two people, hence why it became referred to as the third killer theory. Of course, this theory is not officially part of Scream‘s canon, but it invites audiences to speculate and find enjoyment in how they engage in the franchise. While the theory is often heavily contested, it does help us understand why certain events occurred as they did, given the killer’s motivations. In addition, it deepens the story’s complexity and there is a great deal of credibility to the possibility of Scream‘s off-screen killers.

Roman Was Technically The Third Killer In 1996’s Scream

Roman Inadvertently Caused The Events Of Scream (1996)

Scott Foley’s Roman Bridger was revealed as the killer in Scream 3, though his actions had far more devastating consequences than preceded the third chapter. Roman’s actions indirectly caused the events of the first slasher, with the infamous Billy Loomis and Stu Macher. Although the pair is revealed as the film’s primary killers, Scream 3 unveils new information about the first set of murders in Woodsboro. Fundamentally, Roman manipulated them both and targeted Loomis. The young boy was motivated to kill when he was shown footage of his mother having an affair with Sidney’s dad.

The discovery that Roman had orchestrated the entire first movie was shocking, though he didn’t directly enact the killings of Maureen Prescott or the Principal. Roman was exposed as Sidney’s half-brother, who was rejected by his mother, Maureen. Consequently, he exploited Loomis and Macher to exact his own revenge. Though not a direct participant, for technical purposes, Roman is the third killer in the original slasher as Loomis and Stu’s killing spree eventually led them back to Roman. As he confesses, “I’m a director Sid […] I had no idea that they were gonna make a film of their own.”

There Are Timing Issues In Scream 2 & 3 That Suggest Another Killer

The Kills In Scream 2 & 3 Are Less Convincing

Admittedly, there are timing issues in Scream 2 & 3 which cause some inconsistencies with the murders. These only serve to suggest there is another active killer in each installment. The second film has fewer notable issues, but one confrontation in Scream 2‘s projector room suggests the third killer theory may not be too far-fetched. The distance between Ghostface and Gale suggests there was a third killer. Mickey is already in pursuit of Sidney, and it seems unlikely Nancy could have caught up, given her previous distance at the far end of the projector room when she started the video.

Scream 3 has far more plot holes and inconsistencies that signal an additional killer. Sidney’s attack on the replica set of Woodsboro is the principal example, as there are clearly two Ghostface killers during this scene. Interestingly, the third film was sH๏τ with the film’s Stab actress, Angelina Tyler, as the second killer.

This explains her behavior throughout the film’s length, and makes it very easy to watch the movie with the presumption that Angelina is the second killer, but Roman decided to disregard her before the final act. While these theories have since been debunked, a certain viewpoint can make them appear quite plausible.

Scream 4 Has Several Kills That Don’t Make Sense Without A Third Killer

Jill Roberts & Charlie Walker May Not Have Been Working Alone In Scream 4

Jill Roberts and Charlie Walker are revealed to be the killers in Scream 4, though a good proportion of this installment’s attacks are relatively complicated. The most ambiguous attack was on Gale Weathers, as both Roberts and Walker were seen with others there, so the pair could not have left to commit the attempted murder.

Walker was spotted with Robbie and Roberts was detained with Kirby. Further questions are raised throughout the film that lead to speculation that there may be a third killer, including when Roberts’ home is ambushed, and the attack on Roberts and Walker towards the end of the film.

Various Characters Are Theorized To Be The Third Killer In The Scream Movies

The Scream Franchise Has Always Had Unpredictable And Interchanging Killers

There are several characters speculated to be the third killer throughout the Scream franchise. This includes the confirmed involvement of Roman Bridger, as well as the theories that present evidence of Joel as the third killer in Scream 2, Deputy Judy Hicks in Scream 4, or potentially even Stu Macher reprising his role in Scream (2022). The reason these theories gain credibility is that the Scream scripts are frequently altered during production to prevent leaks and spoilers, which date back to Scream 2 when one of three drafts was posted online, to keep audiences surprised and constantly guessing.